CN109549803B

CN109549803B - Patient transfer apparatus

Info

Publication number: CN109549803B
Application number: CN201810154110.1A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 阿龙·J·埃默森; 迪·A·怀特; 马修·拉斯特; 哈基姆·尼扎尔
Original assignee: Cega Innovations Inc
Current assignee: Cega Innovations Inc
Priority date: 2017-09-27
Filing date: 2018-02-22
Publication date: 2021-10-29
Anticipated expiration: 2038-02-22
Also published as: EP3687469B1; EP3687469A1; WO2019067758A1; US11331236B2; CA3076230A1; CN109549803A; US20190091088A1; CN209253421U; JP2020534960A; JP7004473B2

Abstract

The present invention provides a patient transfer device including a housing, a deck disposed at least partially within the housing, and a belt disposed around the deck. The housing is formed with first and second sides coupled to the first and second ends, and panels attached to the sides and ends to provide structural rigidity to the patient transfer device. The deck is coupled to the housing and a belt circulates around the deck to transfer the body from a first surface at a first side of the housing to a second surface at a second side of the housing. The patient transfer device is capable of reducing cross-contamination of material between the first surface and the second surface.

Description

Patient transfer apparatus

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates generally to patient transport in hospital and ward environments and other medical or patient treatment scenarios. In particular, the present disclosure relates to a patient transfer apparatus for transferring a patient from one surface to another, for example, transferring a patient between beds or gurneys in an operating room or at an examination, laboratory, treatment or rehabilitation location.

Background

In the daily operations of a hospital, patients are often moved from one surface to another. In many instances, the patient is unable to ambulate and is moved via a gurney with the assistance of a nurse and/or medical personnel. For example, when a patient is undergoing surgery, even ambulatory patients may become unable to ambulate due to the surgery and/or due to anesthesia effects or subsequent conditions caused or associated with the surgery.

Often, a non-ambulatory patient is moved via a gurney whenever the patient needs to be moved to a new area. For example, after surgery, nurses and/or medical personnel typically transfer patients to gurneys for transport from the operating room to the recovery room. Typically, the patient will stay on the gurney in the recovery room. Once recovered, the patient on the gurney is moved to the hospital ward. Once in the hospital room, the patient is moved from the gurney to the hospital bed by a nurse and/or a medical professional.

Some prior art devices for moving patients are disclosed in U.S. patent nos. 8,782,826, 9,101,521, and 9,114,050; all of the above prior art is assigned to the present applicant. The present disclosure discloses an apparatus that provides an improvement and/or alternative to these prior art apparatuses. In particular, the present design addresses the improvement of achieving greater structural stability under the load of critically ill patients (now more commonly encountered) and achieving protection against the ingress of contaminants and facilitating cleaning of the equipment to reduce the spread of infection.

Disclosure of Invention

Various examples and embodiments described herein relate to a patient transfer apparatus for transferring a patient or other body between surfaces, for example, transferring a patient between hospital beds, gurneys, or other locations within a hospital operating room, and in other hospital room, laboratory, examination, treatment, transportation, and rehabilitation environments.

The patient transfer device includes: a housing including opposing first and second sides coupled to opposing first and second ends, the first and second ends sized to span a distance between a first surface adjacent the first side and a second surface adjacent the second side, the housing further including a panel attached to the opposing first and second sides and the opposing first and second ends, the panel having a circumferential stiffener that provides structural rigidity to the housing; a deck positioned at least partially within and coupled to the housing; and a belt disposed for movement about the tier floor, the belt configured to transfer a body from a first surface at a first side of the shell to a second surface at a second side of the shell.

Drawings

Fig. 1A is a perspective view of a patient transfer device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. Fig. 1B is another perspective view illustrating a patient transfer device having a transfer sheet positioned for use in transferring.

Fig. 2 is a top view of the patient transfer device according to the embodiment of fig. 1A.

Fig. 3 is a bottom view of the patient transfer device according to the embodiment of fig. 1A.

Fig. 4 is an exploded view of the patient transfer device according to the embodiment of fig. 1A.

Fig. 5 is a perspective view of a housing of the patient transfer device according to the embodiment of fig. 1A.

Fig. 6 is a perspective view of a structural panel of the support apparatus according to the embodiment of fig. 5.

Fig. 7 is a detail view of a portion of a structural panel according to the embodiment of fig. 6.

Fig. 8 is another perspective view of a structural panel according to the embodiment of fig. 6.

Fig. 9 is a detailed cross-sectional view of the patient transfer device according to the embodiment of fig. 1A.

Fig. 10 is a detailed cross-sectional view of a patient transfer device according to an alternative embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 11 is a detailed cross-sectional view of the patient transfer device according to the embodiment of fig. 1A.

Fig. 12 is a detailed cross-sectional view of the patient transfer device according to the embodiment of fig. 1A.

Fig. 13 is a perspective view of a housing without a corner bumper according to the embodiment of fig. 5.

Fig. 14 is a detailed sectional view of the housing according to the embodiment of fig. 5.

Fig. 15 is a detailed perspective view of the housing with the upper housing shell removed according to the embodiment of fig. 5.

FIG. 16 is a perspective partial cross-sectional view of a lamina of the patient transfer device according to the embodiment of FIG. 1A.

FIG. 17 is a top plan view of the laminate according to the embodiment of FIG. 16.

Fig. 18 is a top plan view of a lamina of a patient transfer device according to an alternative embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 19 is a detailed cross-sectional view of a belt wrapped around a roller and ply according to the embodiment of FIG. 1A.

Fig. 20 is a perspective view of a belt for a patient transfer device according to the embodiment of fig. 1A.

Fig. 21A is a perspective view of a housing of the patient transfer device according to the embodiment of fig. 5, but including ribs.

Fig. 21B is a perspective view of a structural panel of the patient transfer device according to the embodiment of fig. 21A.

Fig. 22 is a perspective view of a deck of the patient transfer device according to the embodiment of fig. 17, but including a small number of ribs.

Fig. 23 is a cross-sectional view of a ply of the patient transfer device according to the embodiment of fig. 22 and taken along line 23-23 in fig. 22.

Fig. 24 is an exploded perspective view of a lamina of the patient transfer device according to the embodiment of fig. 22.

Detailed Description

Fig. 1A is a perspective view of a patient transport device, component, apparatus, or system 100 (hereinafter "patient transfer apparatus" for simplicity and not intended to be limiting). Fig. 2 is a top view of the patient transfer device 100. Fig. 3 is a bottom view of the patient transfer device 100. Referring now to fig. 1A-3, the patient transfer device 100 will be further described.

The patient transport system 100 includes a deck member 102 and a housing 104 for supporting the deck member 102. The lamina member 102 includes a lamina (see, e.g.,

laminae

130, 132 in fig. 16-18) and a belt 106 that travels around the lamina to facilitate transfer of a patient from one surface to an adjacent surface. For example, the strap 106 may be movable relative to the housing 104 to facilitate transferring a patient from one side of the housing 104 to an opposite side of the housing 104. As shown in fig. 1B, a sheet of material 300 (e.g., a disposable transfer sheet) may be positioned on top of the patient transport system 100 and partially within the patient transport system, wherein the system 100 extends across the gap DS between the first patient support surface 321 and the second patient support surface 322 from which the patient is moved to the second patient support surface. The housing 104 may shield the sheet of material 300 from the

underlying surfaces

321, 322 to ensure clean removal of the sheet of material 300 from the housing 104 while transporting the patient from one surface to another. Removably attached to the belt 106 allows the sheet of material 300 to travel with the belt and remain with the patient during transfer, while the laminate component 102 (including the belt 106) and the shell 104 are removed after transfer.

The sheet of material 300 may include an absorbent layer and also have a layer of material at its exposed edge 357 that can be grasped by a person performing the patient transfer. To establish transfer, the edge of the sheet of material opposite the exposed edge 357, which may have one or more underlying patches of adhesive (not visible in fig. 1B, but comparable to the underlying patch 355 adjacent the exposed edge 357), may be placed across the tape 106 and adhered to the tape. The belt 106 is configured for bi-directional movement about opposed, spaced rollers 118, 120 (in fig. 1A). Once sheet 300 is adhered to band 106 and prior to application of the device to a patient, band 106 may be rotated to tuck or insert a portion of sheet 300 into housing 104. Thereafter, the edge of the system 100 with the patch 300 inserted is placed under the patient resting on the starting surface 321 (typically by temporarily rolling the patient on his/her side up on the starting surface) so that when the patient rolls back down, the majority of the patient's weight will rest on the patch 300 and the underlying belt 106. The movement of the patient is then initiated by a "push" person (e.g., a nurse and/or medical personnel) located on the side of the patient closest to the starting surface 321 and completed by a "pull" person (e.g., a nurse and/or medical personnel) located on the side of the patient closest to the destination surface 322. A "pushing" person may initiate patient transfer by applying force to the patient (e.g., the side of the patient), and a "pulling" person may grasp an edge of the sheet of material 300 on the side of the patient and pull the corresponding edge to move the patient across the patient transport system 100 from a first (starting) surface 321 to a second (destination) surface 322, e.g., from an operating table or laboratory or examination station to a hospital bed or gurney. The strap 106 may transport the patient on the sheet 300 by following the movement of the sheet of material 300 in the direction indicated by arrow 320 (opposite to the direction of movement of the strap for inserting the sheet 300) to effect transfer of the patient to the destination surface 322. For example, the sheet of material 300 may be fully or partially reinforced to provide optimal post-transfer convenience to medical personnel by providing target material integrity to advance or otherwise adjust the position of the patient on the surface of the patient bed. The patient transport system 100 may protect the puller (i.e., loads moving away from the puller may transfer loads/stresses to the shoulder and back of the puller, which are common and expensive areas of injury risk) by pulling, inhibiting initiation of patient transfer by limiting the pulling force of the edge at which the pulling may occur.

The housing 104 is generally sized to span the distance DS between the first and second surfaces. The housing 104 includes a first elongated side frame member 108, a second elongated side frame member 110, a first elongated end frame member 112, and a second elongated end frame member 114. End frame members 112,114 are attached to side frame members 108,110 to form the perimeter structure of housing 104, and a panel 116 (see fig. 3) spans between frame members 108,110,112,114 and is attached to frame members 108,110,112,114 to form the bottom of housing 104. Generally, the side frame members 108,110 extend along the height dimension of the patient, and the end frame members 112,114 extend across the distance between the first and second surfaces. The housing 104 is made strong enough to have a strength that does not fail when spanning the distance between the first and second surfaces. The housing 104 may include a contoured edge region having converging top and bottom slopes (converging tops and bottom slopes) selected for ergonomic interaction with a patient when transitioning from a first surface to a second surface.

The deck component 102 may include a first elongated roller 118 positioned adjacent the first elongated frame member 108 of the housing 104 along one side of a deck (see, e.g., the

decks

130, 132 of fig. 16-18) and a second elongated roller 120 positioned adjacent the second elongated frame member 110 of the housing 104 along another side of the deck (see, e.g., the

decks

130, 132 of fig. 16-18). A pair of webs 122, 124 (see fig. 4) may be attached to respective ends of

elongated rollers

118, 120 and the plies such that

rollers

118, 120 may rotate relative to

webs

122, 124 and the plies. The

webs

122, 124 generally maintain the

rollers

118, 120 spaced apart and parallel to each other. One connection plate 122 may be attached to the first end frame member 112 and another connection plate 124 may be attached to the second end frame member 114, thereby attaching the laminate component 102 to the shell 104. The

connection plates

122, 124 may include a hold/release mechanism that allows the lamina member 102 to be removed from the shell 104 for cleaning, for example. As shown in fig. 4, the drive belt 106 fits over the

rollers

118, 120 such that the belt 106 is positioned in a conveying relationship with respect to the

rollers

118, 120. The first and

second rollers

118, 120 and plies (see, e.g., plies 130, 132 of fig. 16-18) are positioned within the belt 106. A portion of the belt 106 transports the patient across the patient transport system 100 while the remainder of the belt 106 travels between the housing 104 and the floors (see, e.g.,

floors

130, 132 of fig. 16-18). By traveling between the housing 104 and the tier plates (see, e.g.,

tier plates

130, 132 of fig. 16-18), the belt 106 is not in contact with the first surface or the second surface (transferring patients from or to the first surface, respectively), thereby reducing cross-contamination of materials between the first surface and the second surface.

It should be noted that as with the designations of the first and second end frame members 112,114 and the first and

second rollers

118, 120, the designations of the first and second side frame members 108,110 of the housing 104 are arbitrary. Thus, any or all of these designations can be interchanged or reversed without loss of generality. For example, the laminate component 102 may be configured to transfer a patient in either direction from the first side frame member 108 to the second side member 110 of the shell 104, or from the second side member 110 to the first side member 108. For example, the housing 104 can also be rotatable in any horizontal or vertical plane, or both, to enable the respective positions of the first and second side frame members 108,110 relative to the first and second surfaces to be interchanged, and/or to enable the positions of the first and second end frame members 112,114 to be interchanged.

For example, in contrast to roller boards (roller boards) and other prior systems, the patient transfer system remains generally stationary across the gap DS between the first and second surfaces during the transfer process, thereby reducing the risk of cross-contamination from the first surface to the second surface and reducing the number of patient maneuvers required. During the transfer process, the weight of the patient is supported by the deck member 102, for example, by the straps 106 to transfer vertical (gravity) loads from the patient's torso onto the deck (e.g., see the

decks

130, 132 of fig. 16-18) and thereby to the first and/or second surfaces. The laminate member 102 is isolated from the first and second surfaces by the housing 104, thereby reducing the risk of cross-contamination of material from the first surface to the second surface. This "spaced apart" or "isolated" patient transfer configuration also reduces the number of maneuvers required per patient transfer compared to other devices.

Laminate capable of being inverted

Referring to fig. 16-18, a support deck 130 (fig. 16, 17 and 22-24) and an alternative support deck 132 (fig. 18) are shown. The

laminates

130, 132 are configured to be positioned within the belt 106 and at least partially or fully received within the housing 104. The

plies

130, 132 are coupled to the first and second elongated frame members 112,114 via

connection plates

122, 124, respectively. The

laminae

130, 132 are configured to support a patient or other body during transfer across the laminae from one side of the shell 104 to an opposite side of the shell 104.

The

plies

130, 132 can be configured to be invertible. For example, the

laminae

130, 132 may have the same surface on both sides of each

respective lamina

130, 132 such that the

laminae

130, 132 may be placed into the shell 104 with either side facing outward without impacting the patient transfer device 100 or the patient, thereby increasing the life of the patient transfer device 100 and its components. By designing the

plies

130, 132 to be invertible, for example, after removing the plies from the housing 104 to clean the housing 104 and the plies or tape, the

plies

130, 132 remove possible errors created by a user placing the plies upside down in the housing 104. A double-side laminate 130,132 also prevent accidental wear of the belt 106 caused by placing a ply of a given orientation upside down in the housing 104, thereby improving the life of the belt 106 and presenting a high quality image to the user. The upper and lower surfaces of the

plies

130, 132 have a low friction surface finish (e.g., optimized thermoplastic), texture, or coating (e.g., impregnated with

Or silicone nylon) to reduce the static and dynamic coefficients of friction between the plies and the endless belt 106.

Referring to FIG. 22, a perspective view of a laminate 130 is shown. Referring to FIG. 17, a top plan view of the laminate 130 is shown. The bottom plan view of ply 130 is the same as the top plan view of ply 130, and thus the bottom plan view is omitted. The opposite

major surfaces

134, 136 of the laminate 130 are identical to one another, and thus the laminate 130 can be mounted in the housing 104 with either

major surface

134, 136 facing outwardly from the housing 104. Accordingly, the top and bottom major surfaces of the laminate are substantially symmetrical. The deck 130 includes opposite ends 138, 140 for attachment to the

connection plates

122, 124, respectively, and/or to the end frame members 112,114 of the shell 104. The ply 130 includes

opposite sides

142, 144 for placement of adjacent

elongated rollers

118, 120. Similar to the

major surfaces

134, 136 of the ply 130, the

ends

138, 140 may be identical to one another and the

sides

142, 144 may be identical to one another such that the mounting of the ply 130 to the housing 104 is not in a specified orientation. The ply 130 is configured to be received within the belt 106 such that the belt 106 extends along the

major surfaces

134, 136 and wraps around

rollers

118, 120 disposed along the

sides

142, 144 of the ply 130.

Referring to fig. 16 and 23, the laminate 130 can be made to have two identical pressure forming panels with integral ribs 150 that provide stress to the

major surfaces

134, 136 and generally to the structure of the laminate 130. As shown in fig. 23, the ribs 150 of each

panel

146, 148 may project inwardly from its respective

major surface

134, 136 such that the

major surfaces

134, 136 are generally planar for patient transfer, and the ribs 150 enhance the stiffness of the

major surfaces

134, 136. In this manner, the ribs 150 increase the stiffness of the

major surfaces

134, 136 without increasing the overall profile of the laminate 130. The ribs 150 of the

panels

146, 148 may be aligned with one another (see fig. 23) such that adjacent ribs 150 abut against one another to further increase the stiffness of the

major surfaces

134, 136. Adjacent ribs 150 may abut against each other along the midline of the deck 130, positioned equidistant between the

major surfaces

134, 136 of the

panels

146, 148, respectively. The number of ribs 150 per

panel

146, 148 may vary depending on the application. For example, each

panel

146, 148 may include five ribs 150 as shown in fig. 22-24, twelve ribs 150 as shown in fig. 16 and 17, or other number of ribs 150 necessary to provide the desired amount of stiffness to the

major surfaces

134, 136. The

pressure forming panels

146, 148 can reduce the weight of the lamina 130, thereby reducing the overall weight of the patient transport system 100. For example, each

panel

146, 148 may be formed of any aluminum alloy, magnesium alloy, or any other structurally strong metal, alloy, or plastic/polymer. The

panels

146, 148 may be attached together to create a strong, double-sided laminate body 130. For example, adjacent ribs 150 (see fig. 23) may be attached together (e.g., welded, riveted, or otherwise secured together) to secure the

panels

146, 148 together. Additionally or alternatively, the perimeters of the

panels

146, 148 may be joined together, such as by an external cap or internal wall system.

Referring to FIG. 24, an exploded view of a laminate 130 is shown according to one embodiment. As shown in fig. 24, a connecting strap 141 may connect the

panels

146, 148 together. The connecting band 141 may be formed as a single unitary component, or may be formed from

separate sections

141a, 141b, 141c, 141d shown in fig. 23 for connecting respective sides and ends of the

panels

146, 148 together. For example, first and second connecting

straps

141a, 141c may be used to connect

respective ends

138, 140 of

panels

146, 148 together, and third and fourth connecting

straps

141b, 141d may be used to connect

respective side portions

142, 144 together. Each

panel

146, 148 may include a perimeter flange 143 configured to turn inward to facilitate attachment of the web 141 to the

panels

146, 148. The perimeter flange 143 may extend continuously (see fig. 24) or non-continuously around the perimeter of each

panel

146, 148. The

panels

146, 148 and the connecting band 141 may be attached together via fasteners, such as the illustrated rivets 145.

With continued reference to fig. 24, the lamina 130 can include operative features that facilitate movement of the lamina 130 by a user (e.g., a nurse and/or medical personnel). For example, as shown in FIG. 22, the ply 130 may include a handle 147 located proximate each

end

138, 140 of the ply 130. The respective end rails 149 at least partially secure the handles 147 in place, and respective apertures 151 may be defined between the respective handles 147 and the end rails 149 to accommodate a user's hand. Each handle 147 may be curved, and the end of each handle 147 may be attached to the respective end rail 149 in various ways, such as snap-fitting into a receiving hole defined in the end rail 149. The end rail 149 may include guards 153 extending along the sides of the handle 147 to inhibit contaminants from entering through the interface between the handle 147 and the

panels

144, 146. Guards 153 may be substantially flush with

major surfaces

134, 136 of panels 144, 146 (see fig. 23) so as not to interfere with movement of the belt around surfaces 134, 136. The guard 153 may at least partially circumscribe the aperture 151. Referring to fig. 24, each handle 147 may be received in a generally semicircular cutout 155 defined in the

ends

138, 140 of the

panels

146, 148. The handle 147 may be attached to the ends of the

panels

146, 148 in various ways, such as via rivets 157 shown in fig. 24.

An end rail 149 may extend along each

respective end

138, 140 of the ply 130. The end rail 149 may be attached to the

ends

138, 140 of the

panels

146, 148 in various ways, such as via screws 159 shown in fig. 24. When attached to the panels 146, 148 (see fig. 22), the end rails 148 may act as end caps to seal the ends of the

panels

146, 148 from contamination, and the handle 147 may be seen through the aperture 51. The end rails 149 rotatably support the

rollers

118, 120 along each

side

142, 144 of the ply 130. For example, as shown in fig. 24, during the looping of the belt around the tier 130, each end rail 149 may include two inwardly projecting posts 161, with the ends of the

rollers

118, 120 mounted on and rotating about the posts 161. The posts 161 on each respective end rail 149 may be spaced from each other a sufficient distance that allows the

panels

146, 148 to be positioned between the

rollers

118, 120, with a gap between the

rollers

118, 120 and the

sides

142, 144 of the deck 130.

To assemble the laminate 130, the

panels

146, 148 may be connected together, such as via rivets 145, spot welds, and/or other fastening methods. The handle 147 may be connected to the ends of the

panels

144, 146, such as via rivets 157, spot welds, and/or other fastening methods. The end rails 149 may then be connected to the ends of the

panels

144, 146, such as via screws 159, rivets, spot welds, and/or other fastening methods. During connection of the end rail 149 to the

panels

144, 146, the

rollers

118, 120 may be aligned with the posts 161 on the end rail 149 such that when the end rail 149 is connected to the

panels

144, 146, the

rollers

118, 120 are rotationally mounted on the posts 161. Further, during connection of the end rails 149 to the

panels

144, 146, the handle 147 may be received between the guards 153 on each end rail 149, such as via a snap-fit connection between the ends of the handle 147 and the end rails 149, and the handle 147 may be connected to the respective end rail 149. In connection with existing patient transfer devices, the laminate 130 provides faster assembly, less hardware, and fewer parts. The laminate 130 is lighter in weight than laminates used with existing patient transfer devices, includes no exposed hardware, includes a unified frame and panel, and includes no internal frame work. The laminate 130 may include riveted perimeter seams to provide quick assembly of the

panels

144, 146.

Referring to FIG. 18, a top plan view of the laminate 132 is shown. The bottom plan view of the ply 132 is the same as the top plan view of the ply 132 and thus the bottom plan view is omitted. The opposite major surfaces 152, 154 of the deck 132 are identical to one another, and thus the deck 132 can be installed in the housing 104 with either major surface 152, 154 facing outwardly from the housing 104. The deck 132 includes opposite ends 156, 158 for attachment to the

connection plates

122, 124 and/or the end frame members 112,114 of the housing 104, respectively. The ply 132 includes

opposite sides

160, 162 for placement of adjacent

elongated rollers

118, 120. Similar to the major surfaces 152, 154 of the deck 132, the

ends

156, 158 may be identical to one another and the

sides

160, 162 may be identical to one another such that the mounting of the deck 132 to the housing 104 is not in a specified orientation. The ply 132 is configured to be received within the belt 106 such that the belt 106 extends along the major surfaces 152, 154 and wraps around

rollers

118, 120 disposed along the

sides

160, 162 of the ply 132. The laminate 132 may be extruded or have other configurations disclosed herein.

Referring to fig. 16 and 17, laminate 130 does not have any hardware on its top and bottom

major surfaces

134, 136. Similarly, referring to FIG. 18, the ply 132 does not have any hardware on its top and bottom major surfaces 152, 154. The removal of the surface hardware provides a smooth, consistent surface to improve the performance and life of the belt 106 and to improve patient comfort.

Distance between roller and laminate

The distance between the

rollers

118, 120 and the sides of the ply (e.g., sides 142, 144 of ply 130 shown in fig. 17 or

sides

160, 162 of ply 132 shown in fig. 18) is increased relative to prior similar transfer apparatuses. Referring to FIG. 19, the roller 118 is spaced a distance D1 from the ply 132. More specifically, a distance D1 is defined between the outer surface of roller 118 and ply 132. The distance D1 is sized to reduce contact between the roller 118 and the side 160 of the deck 132 that may occur due to excessive flexing of the deck 132 of the housing. In some embodiments, distance D1 is at least 2.5 mm. Although only roller 118 and side 160 are shown in FIG. 19 for simplicity, roller 120 is similarly spaced a distance D1 from side 162 of ply 132. Likewise, when ply 130 is used, roller 118 is spaced apart from side 142 by a distance D1, and roller 120 is spaced apart from side 144 by a distance D1. Thus,

rollers

118, 120 remain free to rotate and are not interfered with by the sides of

laminae

130, 132 during patient transfer due to distance D1. Depending on the amount of deflection of

rollers

118, 120 and the adjacent housing, other measures may be taken to help maintain sufficient distance D1. In particular, the first and second elongated rollers may be spaced from opposite sides of the ply by a tolerance that increases from the opposite ends to a middle portion thereof, the tolerance selected maintaining a clearance (clearance) for flexing of the rollers and/or housing as the patient is transferred from the first surface to the second surface on the drive belt.

Belt

Referring to FIG. 20, a perspective view of the belt 106 is shown. The tape 106 may include one or more visual alignment guides 166 to facilitate loading and insertion of the disposable transfer sheets onto the tape 106 and into the housing (see discussion above of fig. 1B). For example, the band 106 in fig. 20 includes three visual alignment guide wires 166 on the upper surface of the band 106, although more or less than three wires 166 may be included. The visual alignment guide line 166 may extend parallel to the rollers 118, 120 (see fig. 4) to ensure that when attached to the belt 106, the edge of the transfer sheet is placed parallel to the

rollers

118, 120 for insertion of the sheet into the housing. As shown in fig. 20, the visual alignment guide line 166 may extend a majority of the length of the

rollers

118, 120. The type of visual alignment guide wire 166 is consistent with other features of the patient transfer device 100.

Still referring to fig. 20, the edge 168 of the strip 106 may be hemmed or otherwise protectively finished, for example, by a wear resistant coating or seal. The burrs of the belt 106 are prone to friction and wear and tend to wear over time, particularly where the belt 106 moves and rubs against the

plies

130, 132. The hemmed/protected edges 168 improve the life of the belt 106 and eliminate aesthetic and/or functional issues, such as edge fraying. The hem edge 168 provides resistance to belt movement (i.e., provides tension on the edge 168 while maintaining the effect of loosening the center 170) by varying the belt circumferential dimension (or length) between the center 170 of the belt 106 and the edge 168. The hem edge 168 may be located on an inner or outer surface of the belt 106 and may be formed of the same material as the belt 106 or a different material.

The belt 106 may include a low friction inner surface or liner 172 to reduce drag on the

plies

130, 132. The inner surface 172 may include a low friction surface finish (e.g., optimized thermoplastic), texture, or coating (e.g., dip coating)

Or silicone nylon) to reduce the static and dynamic coefficients of friction. Additionally or alternatively, the inner surface 172 may be configured to interact with the outer surfaces of the

plies

130, 132 to promote low friction. For example, pattern interaction between the inner surface 172 of the belt 106 and the outer surfaces of the

plies

130, 132 may provide low friction between the respective surfaces. Thus, the belt 106 moves over the ply, but furthermore, the ply has substantially no moving parts when transferring the carcass.

In some embodiments, the

plies

130, 132 may be coated to reduce friction with the moving belt 106, or another friction reducing surface may be used. Suitable coating and surface finishing techniques for friction-reducing surfaces include, but are not limited to, powder coating (e.g., free-flow, dry powder coating techniques), textured surface application, thin film coating, vapor deposition, spraying, and other coating and surface treatment techniques selected for low friction, durability, and other properties. The transfer tape 106 can also be provided with a friction-reducing (e.g., inner) surface or layer, such as a silicone impregnated nylon or other material, selected to reduce friction along the interface between the transfer tape 106 and the facing surfaces of the

plies

130, 132.

Sealed peripheral edge of housing

The outer perimeter edge of the shell 104 may be sealed to reduce the risk of contaminants (in particular, contaminating fluids, such as blood or urine) entering and residing along the unsealed seam edge. The design of the casing 104 and/or specific hardware may be used to ensure a tight fit along the perimeter of the casing 104. Referring to fig. 9, the housing 104 may include a perimeter gasket or bumper 174 to ensure a tight fit along the perimeter of the housing 104. For example, the perimeter gasket 174 may seal an interface between two housing portions (such as an upper housing shell 176 and a lower housing shell 178) of the housing 104. The perimeter gasket 174 may be made of an elastomeric material. In some embodiments, the perimeter gasket 174 may have a shore a stiffness of from 10 to 100. Referring to fig. 10, in an alternative configuration, the

housing shells

176, 178 may be designed to form a fluid-tight contact fit between the

housing shells

176, 178, forming a sealed or sealable edge 180 extending around the perimeter of the housing 104. The sealing edge 180 may be of the same material as the housing shells 176, 178 (such as plastic), or an elastomeric material, for example, having a shore a stiffness in the range of 10 to 100. For example, the

housing shells

176, 178 may be coupled together via fasteners 182. Fasteners 182 may secure the

housing shells

176, 178 together to ensure that the perimeter gasket 174 or sealing edge 180 maintains a sealing interface between the

housing shells

176, 178, thereby reducing the risk of contaminants entering and residing along the outer perimeter edge of the housing 104.

Gasket seam between housing shell and bottom panel

The seams present a risk of fluid and other contaminants therein entering and staying and are generally not easily removed. Referring to fig. 11 and 12, the housing 104 may include one or more gaskets at the exterior exposed seams formed between the bottom panel or floor 116 and one or both

housing shells

176, 178. As shown in fig. 11 and 12, the housing 104 may include a first gasket 184 positioned between the bottom panel 116 and the lower housing shell 178 and sealingly engaged therewith to prevent contaminants from entering the housing 104 through a seam formed between the bottom panel 116 and the lower housing shell 178. The housing 104 may include a second gasket 186 positioned between and sealingly engaged with the bottom panel 116 and the upper housing shell 176 to prevent contaminants from entering the housing 104 through the seam formed between the bottom panel 116 and the upper housing shell 176. The

gaskets

184, 186 may extend continuously around the opposite surfaces of the bottom panel 116 to form continuous seams between the bottom panel 116 and the lower and

upper housing shells

178, 176, respectively. The

gaskets

184, 186 may effectively seal contaminant entry points, allowing the seams to be cleaned using conventional methods. The

gaskets

184, 186 may be made of an elastomeric material. In some embodiments, the

gaskets

184, 186 are made of an elastomeric material having a shore a stiffness in the range of 5 to 100.

Impact resistant corner

Referring to fig. 5, the housing 104 may have an impact resistant corner bumper 188. The corner bumpers 188 are less susceptible to damage than the

housing shells

176, 178 and provide improved impact resistance without significant damage. By providing impact and wear protection at the corners and edges of the housing 104, the corner bumper 188 significantly reduces damage from improper handling or impact by transferring energy to structural portions of the patient transfer device 100 (e.g., the faceplate 116). The corner bumpers 188 may be formed of a durable impact-absorbing elastomeric material, such as a self-skinning foam and/or a rubber-like composite, for example, having a shore a stiffness (no latex) in the range of 10 to 100. The material used to form the corner bumpers 188 may have similar texture and stiffness characteristics as the

housing shells

176, 178 to reduce the risk of skin drag on the surface of the corner bumpers 188.

Referring to fig. 13, the housing 104 is shown without one corner bumper. As shown in fig. 13, a perimeter gasket or bumper 174 extends along the outer edge of the housing 104 to form a sealed interface between the upper housing shell 176 and the lower housing shell 178. One or more fasteners 182 may extend at least partially through the

housing shells

176, 178 and the bottom panel 116 to couple the

shells

176, 178 and the panel 116 together (fig. 11-17).

Referring to fig. 14 and 15, the corner bumpers 188 may be integral with the

housing shells

176, 178. For example, the

housing shells

176, 178 may define

flanges

190, 192 for attaching the corner bumper 188 to the

housing shells

176, 178, respectively. The

flanges

190, 192 may extend toward each other and may be received in

grooves

194, 196 formed at the upper and lower surfaces of the corner bumper 188, respectively, to retain the corner bumper 188 to the upper and

lower housings

176, 178, a retention portion 198 of the corner bumper 188 may be received between the

housing housings

176, 178, and a bumper portion 200 of the corner bumper 188 may extend outwardly from the retention portion 198 and may be exposed to absorb impacts to a respective corner of the patient transfer device 100. The retention portion 198 and the bumper portion 200 may be divided from one another by the

recesses

194, 196. As shown in fig. 15, one or more fasteners 182 may secure the corner bumpers 188 to the bottom panel 116, the lower housing shell 178, and the upper housing shell 176 (removed from fig. 5 to show the corner bumpers 188 positioned relative to the lower housing shell 178 and the bottom panel 116). In some embodiments, the corner bumpers 188 are specifically designed to contact the bottom panel 116 to dissipate impact energy over a larger surface area (e.g., on the panel 116), as opposed to being positioned at the impact point (e.g., relying only on a resilient-inelastic impact scenario).

Rigidity and structure of housing

The rigidity and structure of the patient transfer device 100 is provided in part by the bottom panel 116. As shown in fig. 5-8, 21A, and 21B, the bottom panel 116 includes a base 204 with a circumferential reinforcement (circumferential reinforcement), in one embodiment, a structural sidewall 206 extending upwardly from the entire perimeter of the base 204, thereby resembling a floor. The sidewall 206 may be positioned substantially perpendicular to the base 204, which may be flat. As shown in fig. 21A and 21B, the base 204 may include ribs that provide additional rigidity to the panel 116, which is adapted to maintain a gap between the base 204 and the underside of the lamina member 102 during patient transfer. The base 204 may include a plurality of elongated ribs 208 extending longitudinally along the length of the shell 104. The ribs 208 are spaced apart from each other in the lateral direction of the housing 104. The ribs 208 may project downwardly from the base 204 such that the ribs 208 do not reduce the nominal clearance between the panel 116 and the deck member 102. The ribs 208 may be configured to reduce flexing of the base 204 in a weight-efficient manner, thereby limiting interference between the base 204 and the lamina member 102 during patient transfer with minimal increase in weight of the shell 104. Ribs 208 may have various dimensions. In one embodiment, the ribs 208 have a width sufficient to provide finger width access for cleaning (such as at least three-quarters of an inch wide, etc.), and the ribs 208 have a depth (such as a depth of approximately one-quarter of an inch) that minimally increases or does not increase the overall profile of the patient transfer device 100. Ribs 208 may prevent housing 104 from shifting during patient transfer. The geometry of ribs 208 may be configured to inhibit displacement of housing 104. The ribs 208 may provide a barrier to displacement of the device 100 because the ribs 208 may protrude perpendicular to the transfer force applied during patient transfer and may bear into a yielding underlying surface under the weight of the patient, such as a mattress or foam board under a cushion. The ribs 208 may be provided in combination with other features that inhibit shifting, such as low friction movement of the belt 106 and rollers 118, 120 (which reduces lateral forces on the housing 104 that promote shifting), surface treatments applied to the outwardly facing surface 216 (e.g., bottom surface) of the bottom panel 116. The outwardly facing surface 216 of the panel 116 may be configured with a surface treatment having high frictional properties (e.g., a high coefficient of friction). In one embodiment, the protruding ribs 208 may include a high friction coating or treatment to further inhibit lateral displacement of the housing 104. In another embodiment, the entire outwardly facing surface 216 of the panel 116 may include a high friction coating or treatment to inhibit lateral displacement of the housing 104. Although four ribs 208 are shown in the embodiment of fig. 21A and 21B, the base 204 may include more or less than four ribs.

Existing transfer devices include a frame with various components, and the panel 116 with circumferential stiffeners eliminates the use of such a frame, which reduces the overall weight of the patient transfer device 100 without affecting and potentially improving the rigid function of the core components for weight bearing during transfer. For example, the panel 116 may be formed, stamped, cast, molded. The panel 116 may be made of metal, plastic, a combination of metal and plastic, or other compound or polymer capable of structurally forming the integral sidewall 206. The flexural modulus of the material used to form panel 116 may have a minimum of 0.1 GPA. The panel 116 may have a deflection of less than 10mm at any point on its downwardly facing surface.

As shown in fig. 7, a lip 210 may be formed along the upper edge of the panel sidewall 206. The lip 210 facilitates placement of the panel 116 (see FIG. 4) relative to the frame members 108,110,112,114 and also stiffens the side walls 206 and the panel 116 itself. For example, as shown in fig. 9-12, a lip 210 at the top of the side wall 206 of the faceplate 116 may be disposed above an upstanding wall 212 of the lower housing shell 178 and may be captured between the

housing shells

176, 178. The side wall 206 and the upstanding wall 212 may be parallel to and in contact with each other. One or more fasteners 182 may extend through the side wall 206 of the faceplate 116 and the

housing shells

176, 178 to secure the faceplate 116 and the

housing shells

176, 178 together such that the faceplate 116 provides structural rigidity to the patient transfer device 100.

Connecting hardware

Referring to fig. 1A-3, the patient transfer device 100 includes non-visible external hardware or protrusions. In other words, all externally exposed hardware and rubber feet or brackets have been removed in the patient transfer device 100 to reduce vacant contaminant entry and accumulation points. As shown in fig. 5, the components of the housing 104 (e.g., the housing shell and the structural plates) may be connected together at a plurality of mechanical connection points suitable for assembly of the housing through the use of fasteners 182 inserted through the arms 206 of the panel 116. The fasteners 182 are accessible from the interior of the housing 104 (see fig. 5), but are not visible from the exterior of the housing 104. As shown in fig. 9-12, the fasteners 182 may be horizontally oriented and may penetrate the vertical walls of the upper shell housing 176, the lower shell housing 178, and the bottom panel 116, thereby joining the upper shell housing 176, the lower shell housing 178, and the bottom panel 116 together into a unified, relatively rigid structure.

Frictional characteristics of the panel

Referring to fig. 8, an outwardly facing surface 216 (e.g., a bottom surface) of the panel 116 is configured with a surface treatment having high frictional properties (e.g., a high coefficient of friction) that prevents the device 100 from moving relative to the first and second surfaces during use. The prior devices include elastomeric feet disposed around the sides of the device, and the high friction characteristics of the panel 116 eliminate these elastomeric feet of the patient transfer device 100. A damage-resistant coating may be applied to the outwardly facing surface 216 of the panel 116 to protect the surface 216 from damage.

As described herein, the bottom surface 216 of the faceplate 116 may include a high-friction material (e.g., rubber or similar elastomer) to hold the housing 104 substantially stationary during transfer of the patient from one surface to another. Thus, as in some other (e.g., roller board) designs, the shell 104 does not travel with the patient (or other body) during transfer, when in normal operation. Alternatively, the patient and underlying sheet move as the belt 106 rotates. Thus, the term "substantially stationary" as used herein with respect to the patient transfer device 100 and the housing 104 means: during patient transfer, at least a portion of the shell 104 remains in contact with the first (starting) surface and at least another portion of the shell 104 remains in contact with the second (destination) surface. The portions of the patient transfer device 100 that contact the respective initial and final surfaces may include, but are not limited to, one or more sides (e.g., side 108 and/or side 110) and/or a bottom panel 116 of the housing 104. The bottom surface of the faceplate 116 is configured to hold the patient transfer device 100 substantially stationary relative to at least one of the first and second surfaces during patient transfer.

Referring to fig. 4 and 6, the inner surface 218 of the face plate 116 has low friction characteristics (e.g., a low coefficient of friction) to ensure that the belt 106 (see fig. 4) and associated transfer sheets have a movement relative to the face plate 116 that resists free rotation. The inner surface 218 of the face sheet 116 may have a low friction surface finish (e.g., optimized thermoplastic), texture, or coating (e.g., impregnated with

Or silicone nylon) to reduce the static and dynamic coefficients of friction.

Patient transfer device 100 provides a number of advantages over existing transfer devices. For example, the overall weight of the patient transfer device 100 is reduced as compared to existing transfer devices, making it easier for nurses and/or other medical personnel to move the patient transfer device 100 and transfer the patient from a first (initial) surface to a second (destination) surface. The patient transfer device 100 reduces the risk of damage to the device 100 relative to existing transfer devices. For example, the patient transfer device 100 has corner bumpers and/or perimeter gaskets that provide impact protection to the patient transfer device 100. The patient transfer device 100 reduces the risk of viral/bacterial contamination. For example, the patient transfer device 100 provides sealed seams and interfaces between its various components and eliminates external connections or other protruding hardware, thereby reducing contamination entry points of the patient transfer device 100 and facilitating cleaning. The patient transfer device 100 has a reduced number of components, making it easier to manufacture and assemble the patient transfer device 100. For example, the patient transfer device 100 does not include a separate structural support frame, but rather includes a bottom panel having structural sidewalls that serve as a bottom for the patient transfer device 100 and provide structural rigidity to the patient transfer device 10. The patient transfer device 100 reduces movement and dwell of the device across the gap between the first and second surfaces during patient transfer. For example, the patient transfer device 100 includes a high friction bottom surface without positioning feet that provides a non-slip surface to ensure that the patient transfer device 100 accidentally moves during patient transfer. The patient transfer device 100 reduces belt movement on the rollers. For example, the patient transfer device 100 includes a belt having a hem edge that limits accidental movement of the belt.

The device 100 is used with a method for patient transfer that benefits from its structure. These include: a method for transferring a patient from a first surface to a second surface, the method comprising: spanning a gap between a first surface and a second surface with a patient transfer device, the device including a housing having first and second opposing sides coupled to first and second opposing ends and a panel having circumferential stiffeners coupled to the first and second opposing sides and the first and second opposing ends to provide structural rigidity to the patient transfer device when loaded with a patient moving across the gap, the first surface adjacent the first side and the second surface adjacent the second side; and moving the patient from the first surface to the second surface on the disposable sheet by securing to a belt disposed around the tier spanning the gap and positioned at least partially within and supported by the housing. In the method, the panel may be in contact with the first and second surfaces along a bottom surface friction feature adapted to maintain a position of the patient transfer device relative to the first and second surfaces as the patient moves. In the method, the patient transfer device may include a sealed outer perimeter adapted to seal the housing from ingress of fluids and other contaminants. The method may further comprise the steps of: the disposable sheet is at least partially inserted into the housing prior to loading the patient onto the device and performing the movement. The method may further comprise: the lamina is removed from the housing and oriented upside down, wherein the lamina is disposed within the housing with the top and bottom surfaces of the lamina inverted. The method may further comprise: a gap between the first surface and the second surface is spanned with a patient transfer device, wherein the patient is supported by the housing and travels over and with the disposable sheet as the patient is moved across the gap from the first surface to the second surface. The method may further comprise: rotating a first elongated roller and a second elongated roller disposed along opposite sides of the deck with a drive belt, wherein the drive belt is rotationally engaged with the first elongated roller and the second elongated roller as the patient is transferred from the first surface to the second surface, and wherein the first elongated roller and the second elongated roller are spaced from the opposite sides of the deck by a tolerance that increases from the opposite ends to a middle portion thereof, the tolerance selected maintaining clearance for flexing of the rollers and/or the housing as the patient is transferred from the first surface to the second surface on the drive belt.

While the invention has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the particular embodiments disclosed, but that the invention will be capable of modification in various other respects, all without departing from the essential scope of the embodiments as claimed.

Claims

1. A patient transfer device comprising:

a housing, comprising:

first and second opposing sides coupled to first and second opposing ends, the first and second ends sized to span a distance between a first surface adjacent the first side and a second surface adjacent the second side; and

a panel attached to the first and second opposing sides and the first and second opposing ends, the panel having a circumferential stiffener that provides structural rigidity to the housing;

a deck positioned at least partially within and coupled to the housing; and

a belt disposed for movement about the deck, the belt configured to transfer a carcass from the first surface at the first side of the shell to the second surface at the second side of the shell,

wherein the panel comprises a single unitary base panel structure disposed on the bottom of the shell and the circumferential stiffener comprises structurally integral vertical side walls extending around the perimeter of the base panel structure and adjacent to the upstanding walls of the shell; and is

Wherein the structurally integrated vertical side walls are attached to the upright walls along the first and second opposite sides of the housing and along the first and second opposite ends of the housing.

2. The patient transfer device according to claim 1, wherein the housing further comprises a plurality of horizontally oriented fasteners that are not accessible from an exterior of the housing; and wherein the fasteners connect the panel, the first and second opposing sides, and the first and second opposing ends of the housing together; and is

The patient transfer device further comprises a plurality of mechanical connection points adapted to secure the fasteners for assembly of the housing; wherein the mechanical connection point is disposed along an inner surface of the housing and is inaccessible from outside the housing.

3. The patient transfer device according to claim 2, wherein the patient transfer device does not include externally exposed mechanical fasteners or metal hardware components.

4. The patient transfer device of claim 1, wherein each of the first and second sides of the housing includes a contoured edge region having converging top and bottom slopes selected for ergonomic interaction with a torso when transferring the torso from the first surface to the second surface.

5. The patient transfer device of claim 1, wherein a bottom surface of the faceplate is configured with a surface treatment that provides a frictional force to hold the patient transfer device stationary relative to at least one of the first and second surfaces during transfer of the body.

6. The patient transfer device according to claim 1, wherein:

an outer perimeter of the housing includes a fluid seal; and is

The fluid seal includes a gasket to seal the outer perimeter of the housing to prevent ingress of fluid.

7. The patient transfer device of claim 6, further comprising one or more of the gaskets disposed along one or more externally exposed seams between the faceplate and the housing, the gaskets adapted to seal the housing from the ingress of contaminants.

8. The patient transfer device of claim 1, wherein the drive belt is disposed in a bi-directional conveying relationship around the tier floor, the drive belt being configured to move in one direction to insert a transfer sheet into the shell and in an opposite direction to transfer a torso from the first surface at the first side of the shell to the second surface at the second side of the shell; and is

The patient transfer device also includes one or more visual alignment guides disposed on an exposed surface of the carousel, the one or more visual alignment guides configured to guide alignment of a transfer sheet located on the carousel and adapted to transfer a body on the carousel.

9. The patient transfer device according to claim 1, wherein:

the housing further comprising impact corner members adapted to dissipate impact energy incident on the impact corner members;

the impact resistant corner member includes an elastomeric component disposed at each corner of the housing.

10. The patient transfer apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the deck is attachable to a housing end frame member for releasing and removing the deck from the housing, and wherein the deck is invertible disposed within the housing relative to symmetrical top and bottom major surfaces; and is

The patient transfer apparatus further includes first and second elongated rollers extending along the first and second sides of the ply, wherein the first and second elongated rollers are spaced from the first and second sides of the ply by a distance that reduces contact between the first and second elongated rollers and the first and second sides of the ply due to excessive flexing of the ply, wherein the ply includes the top and bottom major surfaces that are symmetrical.

11. The patient transfer device of claim 1, wherein the lamina comprises a continuous top surface and bottom surface with no accessible mechanical fasteners or lamina assembly hardware on the top surface or the bottom surface; and is

Wherein the laminate comprises a extruded polymeric laminate body defining the top surface and the bottom surface; or

Wherein the deck comprises symmetrical two deck structures coupled together to define the top and bottom surfaces of the deck, wherein a plurality of integral structural rib members extend between the top and bottom surfaces.

12. The patient transfer device of claim 1, further comprising a low friction surface material disposed on an interior portion of the drive belt, the low friction surface material selected to reduce friction between the interior portion of the drive belt and a top surface of the deck.

13. The patient transfer device of claim 1, further comprising a hemmed or protectively finished edge on one or more outer edges of the drive belt;

wherein one or both of an inner surface of the belt and an outer surface of the plies are textured to reduce the surface area of contact between the inner surface of the belt and the outer surface of the plies and thereby reduce friction between the belt and the plies.

14. A method for transferring a body from a first surface to a second surface, the method comprising:

spanning a distance between the first surface and the second surface with a transfer apparatus, the transfer apparatus comprising:

a housing having opposing first and second sides coupled to opposing first and second ends, the first surface adjacent the first side and the second surface adjacent the second side,

a panel having a circumferential stiffener coupled to the first and second opposing sides and the first and second opposing ends to provide structural rigidity to the transfer device when loaded with the body, an

A belt disposed around a tier floor at least partially positioned within and supported by the housing; and

transferring the carcass from the first surface to the second surface on the drive belt, wherein the carcass is supported by the ply across the distance,

wherein the panel comprises a single unitary base panel structure disposed on the bottom of the shell defining a horizontal base, wherein the circumferential stiffener comprises structurally integral vertical sidewalls extending around the perimeter of the base panel structure and adjacent to the upstanding wall of the shell, and wherein the structurally integral vertical sidewalls of the base panel structure are attached to the upstanding wall along the first and second opposing sides of the shell and along the first and second opposing ends of the shell.

15. The method of claim 14, further comprising: positioning the transfer device in contact with the first and second surfaces along a friction surface defined on a bottom portion of the panel, the friction surface adapted to maintain a position of the transfer device relative to the first and second surfaces while transferring the body.

16. The method of claim 14, further comprising: attaching a sheet of material to the belt and inserting a portion of the sheet of material into the housing on the belt, wherein the carcass is supported by the ply on the sheet of material attached to the belt while the carcass is being transferred.

17. The method of claim 16, further comprising: removing the lamina from the housing, inverting the orientation of the lamina, and repositioning the lamina at least partially within and supported by the housing with the top and bottom surfaces or opposing sides or ends of the lamina inverted.

18. The method of claim 14, further comprising:

engaging elongated first and second rollers within the belt, wherein the first and second rollers are spaced apart from opposite sides of the ply by a tolerance that increases from opposite ends of the ply to a middle portion of the ply, and

rotationally engaging the drive belt with the elongated first and second rollers, wherein the tolerance maintains a gap between the elongated first and second rollers and the opposing sides of the ply when flexed while transferring the carcass supported by the ply from the first surface to the second surface.